Domino DF500 retro conversion

[Giff]

Agree with JMB the cross stop is a bit unwieldy. Can we have the pins back Festool ? Like the DF700 would do.. Geoff

 

[semenza]

I own the pin style and  havn't used the paddle version, but the trade off seems to be that the pins sometimes get caught in the mortises or on the edge of a board  when you don't want them too. I have bored more than one mortise a little off when working at the edge of a piece and didn't notice that the Domino wasn't registered where I really wanted it.

Since the paddle version came out two camps have developed....  paddle lovers and pin lovers.

As to the wings.... I made a short version that is less awkward by simply  cutting about 3 " off the length. Which leaves them long enough for most spacing jobs.

Seth

 

[flair woodworks]

I like the paddles of the DF500 just fine, but I like the three sets of pins of the DF700 better (I call them pins because they're shaped like pins, even if they don't operate like the pins of the DF500).  I really like the ability to use whichever DF700 pins I like for different spacing.  I would consider buying a DF700-style fence for my DF500, but I don't think I'd spend $10 to exchange my DF500's paddle fence for a pin fence.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I, too, have the pin style. I rarely use the pins, but maybe I'm, uh, different.  [blink] I just use pencil marks. Less of error and I can put the mortise at the spacing that I want. So, the pin/paddle thing doesn't matter to me. I use both models the same way.

 

[ScotF]

I have the paddle version and it is fine...however, I do think it would be nice to be able to register off of a mortise closer than the trim stops can provide -- say when you are mortising the legs of a desk or other piece of furniture and the stretchers and you want two mortises spaced close together for strength.  Making one set-up and registering off the pins would be great.  I think that the pin style of the DF700 is ideal with the configuration/spacing.  I really like the trim stops and wish they were longer sometimes when placing mortises in the center of a longer piece of work.

Scot 

 

[Alan m]

i have the padddle model. i never use the paddels. always pencil marks. i have the cross stops and never use those either

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If anyone doesn't have a Domino and wants the pins model, I believe several will be added to the reconditioned tool list tomorrow. Just a heads up. But, there will only be a few (2-3).

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Those reconditioned pin-style Dominos were just added to the available list. Very limited quantities.

 

[Samo]

Shane,

Happy Thanksgiving! Any Kapex Beaters  coming up?  [eek]

Thanks, Sam

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sam,

I'm generally not aware of what tools might be added to the reconditioned tool availability. The Domino was a bit of an exception. But, there are currently 20% off Kapex on the list still as showing available.

 

[peter halle]

I can honestly say that other than experimenting I have never used my pins or my cross stop.  I could see myself being happier with the paddle and being able to lock them out of the way.  Many times with the pins I have had them start to creep into other domino slots while positioning.

But of course - everyone is different.

Peter

 

[rmwarren]

I got a pin model just after the paddles came out, as reconditioned, it just looked more useful. I ended up buying John's (toolimprovements) spacers for the pins and they fast became a favorite add on. I do 90% of my work with them and the Domi-plate.

Here are shots after using the spacers to offset from both sides of the inside corner miter:

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Worked great.

RMW

 

[Samo]

My experience Geoff FWIW is, you will adapt to the tool you use.   [big grin]

I used a biscuit jointer for many years that had a lot of slop..I over compensated by plunging slowly and not all the way to the depth stop.  Bottom line, it worked well and I got the value out of the tool.

I think, as Peter said, you may never need the pins or paddles.  As much as I love my Festool and the TOP OF THE LINE German
engineering, I don't utilize the entire SYSTEM.   [embarassed]

I do know from personal experience that the pins and paddles work equally well.

Look into the Domi-plate!!!!!

Happy Holidays!

 

[Giff]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Helpful insight from experienced users. One point that Peter made though that the pins could get in the way. Do the pins on the original not lock out as the DF700 ?

 

[peter halle]

The pins do not lock out.  That was one of the reasons (so I was told) for the switch over to the paddles by Festool.

Peter

 

[Giff]

Thanks Peter, if they did it would be perfect, if not I can see the problem that you outlined. Geoff